Cartridge recommendation for a Rega Planar 3 with a RB330 tonearm with Rega dust cover?
Budget is $200 to $500. Preamp phono inputs available in likely use descending order are a Conrad Johnson PV-5, an original Musical Surroundings Phonomena and an Audio Research SP16. Speakers are either Thiel CS 3.5 or KEF LS50 Meta. The room measures 12' W X 22' L X 8' H. The speakers will be on the short wall. Also, are there any negatives to adding shims to the RB330 to get the correct VTA? Thank you for your suggestions.
@neonknight with Rega tables you have no VTA adjustment other than by adding different thickness shims (you have to buy those) to the tonearm base. The statement you made about dismissing what people are recommending what they own and like is not a valid one in this case. It’s about what cartridges fit that Rega tables in the OP’s budget - get the list first. Then begin investigating what sonic signatures each of those cartridges have |
The only negative with using the shims on the Rega RP3 or it's variants is that the height added will cause the dustcover to rub or rest on the arm when shut due to raising the arm, you will have to add a dropped counter weight. Now the plus side is that you can go with almost any cartridge and that greatly out weighs any negative. Ebay has a seller selling the dropped counter weight for $25.00. Also when purchasing the shims, get the 2 piece shims so you don't have to remove the arm to apply. Enjoy the music |
What parkergetdean said I would just make it easy by getting a Rega cartridge. 3 screws, no alignment issues Spin records in minutes, not hours obsessing with setup. This looks promising for the price https://www.audioadvisor.com/rend3?sku=NEW-REND3
|
| Post removed |
I suggest you go beyond elliptical stylus shape on aluminum cantilever cartridges. At least get an advanced profile, shibata, or one of the many different named line contact variations. next, what cantilever design and material? rod, tube, tapered, boron, or take a risk on vintage to get no longer made beryllium, and the combined advantage of lighter tracking force of only 1.25g I just won another auction for an AT160ML for $130. with all the fees and shipping it will be less than $200. AT155 and AT150 are out there as well. When it is worn, I can have the beryllium carefully retipped by VAS, or buy one of 3 new VMN stylus with boron cantilever that fit that AT160 body. here’s one in Finland, seller says headshell not included). It has both overhang and azimuth adjustment, I would try to buy it. The ones from Yahoo Japan often include the headshell, https://www.finn.no/recommerce/forsale/item/435421429 They are advanced MM designs, I have a few MC cartridges, they are good, but I prefer the AT150ML and AT160ML MMs .ps, I encourage you to think long, about getting a TT with a tonearm with adjustability and removable headshell, so you can have a true Mono cartridge, and a small collection of MM and MC cartridges, better yet two arms, Stereo and Mono on call instantly. .................. top of your budget, $460. this is Ortofon's Line Contact, low profile for REGA's https://www.audioadvisor.com/or2mrbronze?sku=NEW-OR2MRBRONZE
|
